Staircase Glossary Staircase Glossary Staircases - A Glossary of Terms Staircase terminology This glossary of staircase related terminology is by no means exhaustive but does detail the most common and basic terms used in staircase construction and balustrading installation. Baluster/Spindle – The vertical member, plain or decorative, that acts as the infill between the handrail and baserail (or tread if cut string). Baluster - An American word for Spindle. If you would like to find out more about the baluster, please take a look at our page here . To purchase Spindles click this button. Balustrade – Collective name for the complete assembly of handrails, baserails, newels, spindles, infill and newel caps. For more information about balustrades, please see our balustrades page here . Baserail - The Baserail sits on top of the string and holds the spindles in place. To purchase Baserails click this button. Bullnose Step – Sits at the bottom of the stairs with one or both ends of the step having a quarter circle design. Circular Stair – Alternate name for a curved or helical or part curved staircase.

Closed String – A string with the face housed/trenched to accommodate treads and risers, so their profile cannot be seen. (See Cut or Open String). Continuous Handrail – Using straight lengths of handrail connected to handrail fittings and ramps, the handrail flows over the tops of newel turnings creating a continuous run of handrail. Cover Moulding - A moulding that covers the ceiling line between the plasterboard and the staircase apron. To purchase Cover Moulding click this button. Curtail Step – A decorative shaped step at the bottom of the stairs usually accommodating the volute and volute newel turning of the Continuous Handrail System. Cut or Open String – A string with the upper edge cut away to the shape of the treads and risers so that their profile can be seen from the side. Cut String with Bracket - A String with the upper part of the string cut away to follow the shape of the treads, but a bracket, of various designs, can be seen from a side profile. Cut String Nosing – Tread nosing applied to the outside of a tread to cover end grain.

D-End Step - Which means that the tread passes the newel post and returns back into the side of the newel. To purchase Fillets/Infill Strips click this button. Flights of Stairs – An uninterrupted series of steps reaching from one landing to the next. Flights may be straight or curved. Floor to Floor Height – The total rise of a staircase, measured from the top of the finished lower floor to the top of the finished upper floor. Flutes – Decorative vertical grooves sometimes routed into the wood surface of spindles or newel posts. Freestanding – Staircase which is not supported by walls. Open underneath. Glue Blocks – Blocks of wood attached to the underside of the stair at the junction of the riser and tread. These secure the risers and treads together and are used to prevent movement and so minimise squeaks. Going – the going of a flight of stairs is the horizontal distance between the face of the first and last risers. The individual going of a step is measured from face of riser to face of riser and for domestic use should be a minimum of 220mm.

Gooseneck – A handrail fitting consisting of an up-ramp, and a vertical turn. It is used at a landing or balcony to raise the rake handrail to the height of the balcony handrail. To purchase a Vertical Turn or Up-Ramp click this button. Gradient of a staircase – The ratio between the going (horizontal) and the rise (vertical); the angle of inclination. Guardrail – Otherwise known as the handrail. Handrail – A protective rail designed to prevent people or objects from falling into open stairwell. A moulded rail following the pitch, or rake of the staircase – which also forms the top/upper edge of the balustrading. To purchase Handrails click this button. Headroom – The vertical distance from the lowest point of the ceiling above the stair to the tread nosing. This is relevant to comply with current Building Regulations. A Headroom of 2m is required at all points on and off a staircase and as you pass down a staircase. Infill Strips – A thin wooden strip that fills the grooved space between spindles in both the baserail and underside of the handrail. (Sometimes call fillet). To purchase Newel Caps click this button.

Newel Post – Accommodates the strings, handrails and treads/risers of stairs. To purchase Newel Posts click this button. Newel Base – Structural support that forms the lower section into which Newel Post is attached. Nosing – The edge of the tread projecting beyond the face of the riser. Open Risers – A staircase designed with only the horizontal surfaces of the treads fixed to the stair strings. The vertical spaces between treads are open. Pitch – The angle between the pitch line and the horizontal. (or gradient of a staircase). Pitch Line – The notional line connecting the nosings of all treads in a flight of stairs. Platform – The landing which is the top tread on a spiral staircase. Plumb – Perfectly vertical, perpendicular with the floor. Post-To-Post – A Balustrade system, where the handrail is not continuous. Rail System/Railings – The balustrade. Used to describe a complete rail system consisting of the handrail,spindles and baserail. Rake – The pitch of the stairs. Rise – The rise of a flight is the vertical distance between the floors or landings connected by the flight.

The individual rise is the vertical measurement from top of tread to top of tread. Riser – The board that forms the face of the step. The maximum individual rise for domestic flights is 220mm. Routed string – A string which has been routed out for the insertion of treads, risers and wedges. Also known as box string. Run – The horizontal distance covered by the entire staircase. Technically its the distance from the trimmer face to front of the first steps nosing. Scotia Moulding - The timber moulding that sits around a cut string staircase. Step – The tread and riser combined. (See area shaded in drawing). Strings – The inclined boards in which the treads and risers are enclosed. String Margin – The distance between the top of the string and the pitch line measured at 90° to the pitch line. Top Nosing – Sometimes called the Lander Tread, narrow tread nosing situated above the top riser or along the upper edge of a balcony. This gives the appearance of a tread at the top of the staircase. Tread - The top or horizontal surface of a step, to find out more about our staircase treads please visit this page .

Trimmer Joists - These are used to construct a well suitable for the opening of the staircase. These are held together with screws or joist hinges. (See Joists). Up Easing or Up-Ramp – A handrail fitting which joins two handrails or fittings at different angles in a graceful, pleasing manner. Wall Rail – A handrail which is mounted onto a wall and supported by wall brackets rather than newels or balusters. Wall Rail Brackets – Metal support for wall rail. To purchase these Wall Rail Brackets click this button. Wall String – The string of a staircase fixed flush with a wall. Wedges – Tapered blocks of wood, coated in glue and used to drive treads and risers tightly into a routed string. Well Opening – The opening in the upper floor (lower floor ceiling) for placement of a staircase. From Trimmer to Trimmer, see Length 'A' to 'B' below. Winders – Are radiating steps narrower at one end that are used to change the direction of a stairs through 90° or 180°. Stair Parts Stair Parts 101: Putting a Part to a Name Stair Parts by author Meghan Carter The name of each stair part.

The name of different types of stair construction. What to ask when buying stair parts. Stair parts are confusing for most people because the terminology is completely foreign. Knowing the definition of a balustrade and a gooseneck doesn't come up in most conversation, but is necessary to know if you plan on remodeling or building a new staircase. It won't turn out nice if you go into a place selling stairs and say, "I want cast iron posts, you know the things that are under the part you put your hand on." All you'll get are confused looks. So I visited Adam's Stair Works , one of the best stair manufacturers in the country, to learn the name of each of the different stair parts. During my visit, the President and Owner of Adam's Stair Works, Doug Adams, taught me not only the different stairs parts, but also the different types of stair construction. Upon arriving, I had no idea stairs were so complicated, but when I left I knew exactly how to order the staircase I want. The Basic Stair Parts There are two main types of stair parts: the ones that make up the stair and the ones that form the balustrade.

The stair is made up of four parts: stringers, risers, treads and the swell step or starter step. The stringer is the part of the stair that runs along the side of the stairs and helps to support the part of the stairs you walk on. The risers are the stair parts that form the vertical part of the stair. The treads are the stair parts that are the horizontal part of the stair you put your foot on. The swell step or starter step is the first step on a staircase. "That step is what makes the staircase seem a little grander," Adams said. The balustrade is the term used to describe the protective and decorative railings used to keep you from falling off the side of the stairs and offer you support when walking down the stairs. The balustrade is composed of many different parts: the balusters or spindles, the newel posts, the handrail, the easements and the goosenecks. The balusters or spindles are the thin posts that span the distance between the handrail and the steps. The newel posts are the large posts found at the beginning, end and on landings of staircases.

Each type of newel post has a name that corresponds to its location on the staircase. "The top post on the stairs would be called a starter post because it starts the stairs," Adams said. The newel post at the bottom of the stairs is called the number one post. Sometimes the newel post at the bottom of the stairs is called a focal point newel, which is a newel post that is very large and decorative. Newel posts on landings are referred to as landing posts. The handrail is the stair part that you put your hand on as you walk down a flight of stairs. The handrail sits on top of the balusters or spindles. The easements and goosenecks are the two stair parts that allow the handrail to change its slope. "Another basic stair part is an easement, which is used to transition the hand rail between different pitch angles," Adams said. "A variation of an easement is a gooseneck. This fitting is made up of an easement and a piece of straight rail.

That is installed where there is a transition between different rail heights." Stair Parts Differ Depending on the Type of Handrail Construction < When walking into Adam's Stair Works, I thought all staircases had the same parts. But it turned out, I was wrong. "The first thing you've got to decide when looking at stair parts is what type of construction you want," Adams said. "There are two basic techniques. The first is post-to-post where the railing will hit the side of a square newel or a ball top newel. It is the simplest and the most cost effective way to join a railing to a post. "The other method is post-over construction. That is where the railing goes over the post. There are extra fittings involved. It sits on top of a pin-top post and you have to make connections to the handrail. This being a lot more costly because you have extra parts, you have extra labor to put it together." Post-to-post staircases and post-over staircases have the same basic stair parts. The only difference between the two is that post-over staircases have extra parts that are used to make the handrail go over the posts. Those extra parts are called the cap and the volute.

A cap is the stair part that goes over an end newel post. It is a simple piece that finishes off the end of the handrail. A volute is a more elaborate cap that is made of a piece of handrail that is shaped in a curl. The volute sits on top of both an end newel post and spindles. Putting together the Handrail Stair Parts There are two different ways the pieces of the handrails are put together: a rail bolt or staples. As always, the one that is the most cost effective is the least stable. "The rail bolt is much stronger than the staples," Adams said. "But [the staple method] is naturally more cost effective. So, when you buy a ready-made part you'll see the staples versus a custom [stair part where] you'll see the rail bolt." Putting together the Stairs As with the handrail, there are two ways to put together the stairs, and again the most cost effective form of construction is the least stable. "If [the newel posts] are fastened and bolted to the stair it's called overlay construction, and that method is the weakest method," Adams said.

With overlay construction, if too much force is applied to the newel post - such as kids swinging on it, the newel post will be loosened and will no longer keep the balustrade steady. As a result, the handrail may not be able to support your weight if you fall or trip when walking down the stairs. "Where as mortise and tenon, the post is put in first and everything goes into it," Adams said. "You literally have to cut apart the stair to take [the newel post out]. That is the strongest method." If you want the sturdiest staircase, you will want to choose a mortise and tenon construction. [Server Resolved SSI Error : Server returned a response code of '301' on the following request: ] close Love my videos but don't have the time to visit Ask the Decorator every day? I understand. That's why I offer e-mail alerts. By signing up for the e-mail alerts, you'll receive an e-mail each time two new videos are published on Ask the Decorator. The e-mail will have the headline for each video along with a short summary.

If you're interested in the video, click on the headline and you'll be taken straight to that video. If none of the videos interest you, trash the e-mail and move on with your day without wasting the time of visiting my Web site. Brilliant, I know. Hey, I'll do anything to make your life easier. Just ask, or in this case, sign up. Name: close I'm really, really, really, really sorry that I can't answer all your questions personally anymore. With all the big prjects in the works and the number of questions increasing daily, I've had to strategize a better way to provide answers to all your questions. The end result will arrive before you know it. Thank you for your patience and understanding. close Sharing articles is a great way to help others and keep track of your favorites, too. Click on a social bookmark service below to share and save this article. If you want to know more about social bookmarking, read this article . Stair Parts Glossary - StairSupplies™ Stair Parts Glossary Balusters A vertical stair part turned, carved or otherwise vertical section placed between the handrail and the stair tread or stair stringer.

Balusters are typically spaced no more than 4″ apart. Most balusters in wrought iron are 44″ tall. Most wood balusters are 42″ tall. Balustrade A stair system including the framework of rail, newels and balusters. The system is designed to flow together from like components. Banister The banister refers to the system of parts that combine to make the stairway. A banister is usually the combination of handrail, newels, stair treads, balusters and assorted trim pieces. A banister is installed by stair professionals, trim carpenters or skilled do it yourselfers. A stair banister will be the focal point of a home and should be planned and installed carefully. The stair banister provides the functional purposes of safety and assistance when climbing the stair banister. A banister should contain parts that are strong enough to support the weight of adults leaning against them and spaced close enough that infants cannot get their heads lodged between the vertical elements in the banister. Brackets Ornamental pieces used on the skirt boards and stair stringers. Several different variations exists from carved to scrolled. Typically they are ¼” thick and made from the same wood species as the rest of the stair system.

Box Straight stairs with closed stringers as opposed to an open stairs where the tread hangs over the skirtboard with a return. Bull Nose A rounded front to a board. Sometimes referring to the landing tread or piece of trim applied to the floor on balcony areas where the balusters are attached. Bull-Nosed Starting Tread Starting step. Sometimes called a scroll step. The first step of a stair system. The ends of the tread project beyond the skirt boards The ends are semicircular in shape. Carriages Stringers, Cut Jacks, Jacks, Frame, Rough Carriage. The angled pieces used to support the stair system and a for the treads to rest upon. Cove Moulding Moulding placed under the treads and landing treads, typically ½” x 5/8″. Closed Stringers A staircase in which the ends of the treads are not visible to the outside. The opposite is an open stairs. Same as a box stair. Code The rules adopted by a state or local authorities that govern how a stairway must be put together for safety reasons. Curved Stairs that curve as they ascend. Cut Jacks Notched stringers that support stair treads.

Dogleg A stair with two flights separated by a half landing, and having no stairwell. Easing The curved junctions placed in a handrail to bring the parts at different levels into one flowing curve. A fitting that curves in a vertical plane, used to change the angle of the handrail. Epoxy A two part adhesive used to bond materials from wood to composites to metals. Epoxies are especially useful in bonding metal to wood in stair applications. Epoxies vary in strength, setting time and elasticity once cured. False end treads A less expensive option when using carpet on a stair tread. False treads come in a kit with a plywood riser and plywood tread which receives a nosing that is attached to the face and the side. False end treads when covered with carpet look like solid treads and are less expensive than a solid wood tread. Often called a false tread kit. Fillet A thin strip that fills the plowed (grooved) rail space between balusters in a hand rail or shoe rail. Finial The ornamental top of a newel post. Usually turned, sometimes carved. Box newels often receive an optional finial.

click here to go back to the top Fittings Pieces of wood that are shaped with the same profile as handrail to form changes of direction for the handrail or to provide strength and ornamentation. Example fittings are volutes, turn outs, tandem caps, easings and goosenecks. Flight of Stairs An uninterrupted series of steps and stringers reaching from one landing to the next. A flight may be straight or curved. Flitch A log sliced into thin veneer pieces, usually 1/16″ thickness, slices are then bundled back to sell as a unit. Flutes Flutes are decorative vertical grooves placed in a wood surface such as balusters or newels. Going Run; the horizontal distance between two successive nosings. The sum of the goings of a straight flight stair is the going of the flight. Gradient of a Stair The ratio between going (run) and riser; the angle of inclination. Guardrail A protective railing designed to prevent people or objects from falling into an open well, stairwell or other open spaces. Glue Blocks Blocks of wood attached to the underside of a stair at the junction of the riser and tread.

Glue blocks secure the treads and risers together and are used to prevent movement which causes squeaks. Gooseneck A combination of an easing and a fitting in a rail system which allows the handrail to change heights from an incline back to the level. Placed at landings or at the top of a stair. Handing The direction a stair part is designed to be used. Handing is right or left. Handing is determined by standing at the bottom of the stairs and looking up. Handrail A molded rail following the pitch or rake of the staircase, and forming the top or connecting piece of the balustrade which protects the outside of the stair. Headroom The vertical distance from the lowest point of the ceiling or soffit directly above the stair to the nose of the stair Most code require 6′-8″, (80 in), (2.03 m), (203 cm). Horse The stringer for the staircase usually notched. Jatoba The technical name for Brazilian Cherry. Jack Shortened term for stringer or supporting member of the staircase. Landing A resting place, or wide step at the middle or top of a flight of stairs.

Landings are often used to change the direction of a stair. Margin Reveal; the distance between the nosing and the top of a closed stringer. Mopstick Handrail A handrail that is circular except for a small flat surface underneath. Mitered Risers A method of joining the riser to the skirtboard. The mitered method is when the skirtboard and riser are both mitered to each other. Newels or Newel Post A solid rectangular, or circular section of vertical post at the center and at regular turns and junctions of a rail system. The newels provide the main support for the rail system. There is a starting newel at the base of the stairs and a landing newel at the turns or top of the stair. Other newels are described as: center turned newel, box newel or a pin top newel. Nosing The front edge of the tread which projects beyond the face of the riser. It is usually rounded, chamfered or sometimes shaped. Open Risers A staircase designed with only the horizontal surfaces of the treads fixed to the stair stringers. Vertical surfaces between treads are open. This type of stair system does not meet most code requirements.

If the riser space is less than 4″ then it will meet some code requirements. Open Stair A stair that is open or without a wall on one or both sides. Open Stringer A stringer or skirt board that is cut out for the treads and risers. Typically the tread will have a return that hangs over the skirtboard to finish the look. Opening Cap A fitting or portion of the rail system which begins with a round cap and is connected to the handrail. Open Well Stair A stair with two or more flights around an open space. Perron A dignified exterior stairway, usually approaching the main entrance. Pin Top Baluster A baluster having dowel type top rather than a square. This type of baluster is attached to the handrail by drilling a hole into the handrail and inserting the top of the baluster into the handrail and gluing them into place. Pitch The angle. Plowed Rail A hand rail which has had the bottom grooved or plowed to accommodate a square top baluster. Fillet are used to fill the space between balusters. Posts See Newels .

Quarter Turn Fitting A machined block of wood that matches the handrail and allows a 90 degree change of direction. The fitting may have a round cap to accommodate the a newel or it may be the same width as the handrail and make the turn without the elongation need to accommodate a newel. Rail System The balustrade. Used to describe a complete rail system consisting of the handrail, newels, fittings and balusters. Rake Describes the angled part of a stairway as opposed to a balcony. Ramp A vertical curved easing in a handrail. Rise The vertical distance between the upper surfaces of two consecutive treads. Risers The vertical face of a step. Shoe Rail A plowed rail that is used to accept the bottom end of square balusters. The shoe rail often sits on a short wall or it may float above the treads. Soffit The visible sloping under-surface between the stair stringers. Spindles The balusters or turned, carved or otherwise vertical sections placed between the handrail and the stair tread or stair stringer. Spiral Stairs Stairs, which rise regularly around a cylinder or elongated cylinder either real or imaginary. Sometimes called helical stairs.

Step One unit of a stair, consisting of a riser and a tread. A stair is a series of steps. Square Top Baluster Balusters with square tops rather than the more commonly used pin tops. Square top balusters require plowed rail and fillets. Starting Tread (Step) The first tread and riser at the bottom of the stair. Starting steps are usually rounded on the ends to accept volutes or turn outs. Stairway The horizontal part of a staircase upon which the foot is placed. Turn Out A fitting used to start a rail system. The turn out flares left or right slightly to give the appearance that the stairway is enlarged and inviting. Veneer A thin sliced wood used to cover wood. Veneer is often used in tread ends and stair stringers. Volutes Or Wreath – A decorative way to start a stairway. The volute is round with a newel in the center surrounded by balusters and ascending to the rake of the handrail. Wall Rail Used where a stair runs alongside a wall and is attached to the wall with rail brackets. Walk Line An arbitrary line but generally 12″ from the inside radius of a curved stair.

The walk line is used in code determination for stairs with a tight radius. Wedges Ramp type pieces of wood used in the construction of closed staircases to help secure treads and risers. Winders Treads that are narrower at one end than the other. Used to turn corners or go around curves. Stair and Stair Parts Glossary Stair and Stair Parts Glossary Stair parts can be made from many materials and can be styled as desired. Many stair parts have many names such as baluster, spindle and picket. Don't see your word? Do a word search using your browser's Find function. Have question or comment, please send an This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Definition 4" ball rule - a common building code requirement mandating that a 4" sphere cannot pass through the balustrade's components; a staircase safety code preventing children and pets from getting stuck or falling through 6" ball rule - for metal or similar railing system with a bottom rail or cable, a common building code requirement mandating that a 6" sphere cannot pass through the triangular-shaped area bounded by the tread, the riser and the bottom rail; a staircase safety code preventing children and pets from getting stuck or falling through articulated stair - a stair type or configuration as may be installed on floating roof tanks or on dock facilities; a stair type where the angle of the stair changes with the rise and fall of the base support balcony height - the vertical height between the lower floor and the top of the balcony handrail baluster - a vertical staircase part between the top rail and the bottom rail or tread; often made from turned wood or fabricated out of metal; also known as spindles or pickets (especially on the exterior) banister - another name for balustrade, sometimes referred to as the balustrade of the staircase; the handrail and it's supporting system (i.e.

balusters and newels) balustrade - a complete rail system; mostly, the parts above the treads and risers bending rail - specially cut wood rail allowing (flexible) bending or turning to match the bend of the staircase bending mold - a bending tool (product) that helps in forming (curving) bending rail and protects the underlying rail from clamp damage; its profile must match the profile of the bending rail and its outside surface is flat allowing clamping; used on both sides of the bending rail bifurcated stair - a common staircase design often used in large, high traffic buildings where a wide, common flight is bifurcated or separated into two smaller flights at the next level bottom rail - the lower rail component running parallel with the floor or with the stair on the rise; the balustrade part that terminates spindles at the bottom and, on the sides connects to newel posts bowed starting step - a decorative first stair style which is wider than the other stairs; these extended side (single) or sides (double) are often designed larger staircase spaces box newel - a newel in the (vertical) shape of a box or square as opposed to round or tubular; box newels tend to be larger in width and

 maybe hollow bracket - a decorative or ornamental staircase component mounted on the skirt board or stringer and often made from wood and about 3/8" thick; often with a scroll shape design; also see handrail bracket bull nose - the rounded front or outside edge of a tread or board cap - the over-the-post handrail fitting installed over a newel post for continuous or smooth handrail; cap is shorten version of tandem cap; also see tandem cap cap rail - the part of the rail where the hand is placed; also call handrail carriage - the supporting framing underneath stairs; the carriage is part of the stringer; the angled part of a stringer supporting the stair system; the resting place for treads circular stairs - a staircase with no center post but has two outside handrails; also see 'helical stairs'; a type of staircase characterized by its number of turns closed stringer - a style staircase where the treads are not visible from the side; also known as box or boxed stairs; as opposed to 'open stringer' cove mold - an inside corner finish trim piece which has a concave profile (as opposed to a shoe mold); decorative, finish molding mounted under the treads; typical cove mold sizes: 5/

8" x 13/16" or 3/4" x 5/8" curtain entry - the bottom, staircase entry step that has an extended side (or sides) often styled with a volute(s) curved stairs - a staircase that curves as it ascends usually to turn a corner or just to make a turn cut string - a modified string (or stringer) with its upper edge cut-away allowing the profile view of the treads and risers to show degree of ascent - the rake or incline of a staircase; the slope measured in degrees dowel - tube-shaped (pencil like) wood fastener used to connect (often with glue) two like materials such as a wood baluster to a stringer; also called a dowel pin easing - a class of handrail components; often a curved, connecting handrail component often used to change the handrail angle such a when the handrail leads to a landing or makes a turn false riser - a special type of riser primarily for staircases with continuous, center-of-staircase carpeting; these risers are shorter in length, are about 1/2" in depth (matching carpet height) and are attached at the sides with carpeting later laid

 in the middle; also see false tread false tread - a special type of tread primarily for staircases with continuous, center-of-staircase carpeting; these treads are shorter in length, are about 1/2" in depth (matching carpet height) and are attached to the step at the side(s) with carpeting later laid in the middle; also see false riser false tread kit - a collection of false tread components that often includes the false tread, front and side moldings and the false riser field - the design area between the handrail at the top and bottom rail or the treads fillet - a finishing (underside) board used to fill-in the plow (area) between balusters on a plowed handrail and shoe rail finial - a decorative, finish part placed atop a newel (post); usually made from a wood-turned part and has a dowel-like bottom fitting - the general term for shaped wood (or iron) that extends and changes the direction of handrail; has several varieties such as volutes, turnouts, tandem caps, easings and goosenecks - any minor, matching staircase part flight - a series of steps reaching from one landing to the next; an uninterrupted set of stairs,

 straight or curved floor to floor - the vertical measurement taken from the top of the lower finished floor to the top of the next finished floor; the total rise of a stair; the height of a spiral stair flute - a decorative vertical groove(s) in a baluster or a newel or vertical groves of similar design glue block - a small, properly cut board glued to other staircase pieces to provide additional support or strength to the area going - the distance from the nosing edge to the edge of next nosing in plan view; the distance a person would traverse forward with each step taken gooseneck - a handrail component that allows a vertical change of direction or to lower the handrail from a floor or landing down to the height of the handrail on the stair below; often for use at a balcony or landing; some gooseneck designs also turn left or right gradient of a stair - the angle of inclination or the ratio (expressed in degrees) between the stair run (horizontal distance) and the rise of the stair (vertical distance) guard - staircase railing or protective railing; see 'guardrail' below guardrail - the protective railing to prevent people, pets or objects from falling through a staircase or open balcony; composed of newels, bal

usters and, at a minimum, a top rail half newel - a newel post that's usually cut vertically in half and then mounted against a wall for aesthetic purposes; a special purpose, wall-mounted and usually a post-to-post newel post handing - for some special stair parts, the installed direction is left or right handed; the handing direction (left or right sided) is determined by standing at the staircase base or starter step and looking up or ascending the staircase handrail - the top part of the balustrade and often made from metal or wood; the underside often has holes to receive the balusters handrail bracket - a wall-mounted part, often made from metal, which fastens the rail to a wall handrail clearance - the distance between a handrail and another nearby object or surface such as a wall; a stair building code compliance measurement to ensure adequate handrail gripping headroom - the vertical distance from the top of the finished floor surface at the bottom of the staircase to the finished floor surface at the top of the staircase; most codes require 6' 6" - 6' 8" headroom helical stairs - a spiral staircase which does not have a center pole and has a handrail on both sides; somewhat visually similar to a

 DNA strand knee wall - the small, top capped, side wall of a staircase hiding the treads and risers; also the very small wall on a closed stringer or the board above the tread and riser landing - the large, horizontal standing surface at the top of a flight of stairs or in the middle of a staircase landing newel - the longest newel (post) used at landings or balconies landing tread - a stair part used at the top of a stairway or at the beginning of a balcony and transitions into the landing lateral - the curved top rail component that connects to a newel post; another name for a specialized handrail fitting left hand stair - a stair with a left-side balustrade while ascending level quarter turn - a handrail fitting that allows a 90 (to 135 degree) turn, on the same plane and where no newel is used; often used to return to a wall or handrail around the corner level rail - handrail on a balcony or landing; non-rake handrail line of travel - a staircase's line of walk or traverse; a factor used to determine widing or spiral tread depth lineal nosing - a finish trim piece, often with a rounded front edge, which attaches

 to the leading (front) side of a tread mold or molding - a decorative finish piece often applied and running vertically or laterally near a staircase; also known as trim; can be a simple as a quarter turn or as have a fancy, intricate profile newel - the large vertical, structural component extending vertically from the thread (or near the thread) ending at the handrail; often placed at regular intervals, turns or transitions of the railing; also called a newel post newel mounting plate - a steel plate used to connect a newel to the staircase or floor; has numerous pre-drilled holes to allow screwing up into the newel and down into the staircase or floor.

nosing - the rounded tread front or outside edge (material); often made from a hard, hard-to-scratch material and often rounded open flight - a staircase that is exposed or without a wall on one or both sides of the threads; also called an open stair open stair - a staircase style where the treads are exposed (viewable) from the side and the balusters are attached to the treads; the staircase may or may not have risers.

open stringer - - a staircase design style where the sides of the treads are exposed or can be seen; conversely, see closed stringer opening cap - - a horizontal handrail termination piece, one side connects to the handrail and the other side is typically rounded for use with a pin top newel open well stair - - a staircase design where the treads visible at the ends over easing - a handrail fitting used to transition from a sloped (or rake) rail to level rail; a non-gooseneck handrail easing for transitions over the post - a balustrade or rail style where the balustrade rail is over the top of the newel; the newel connect to the rail from the underside; an over the post staircase makes for a great slide; also see 'post-to-post' parapet - a small or low wall (or railing) at the horizontal edge of a platform or roof; a small wall or barrier constructed for safety purposes picket - another name for a baluster; also see spindle; the vertical railing component between the top rail and the bottom rail pin top baluster - a baluster configured to have a round, dowel (or rounded like a dowel) top designed to fit into the

 drilled underside of a handrail made ready to receive the baluster's top pitch - the angle of the staircase as determined by the staircase's rise (vertical distance) and run (horizontal distance); often express in degrees pitchblock - a carpenter or fabricator's tool set (or adjusted or marked) to the staircase's pitch (rise and run) which facilitates marking (where to cut) and, by extension, where to subsequently precision-cut curved pieces (such as easings) plowed rail - a specially configured (larger) handrail designed to be mounted over a smaller square-top baluster rail; the underside of the handrail has been cut away as if it's been plowed plug - a circular, finishing part, often used in wooden railing, that covers a drilled hole which accesses fastening hardware post - the vertical staircase component which supports the handrail; see newel post-to-post - a balustrade or rail style where the balustrade rail connects into the side of newels; often considered a classic rail style; also see 'over post' profile - the shape of a part when viewed from its side (as opposed to the most common or typical view, the a front view); also known as profile view; wood railing is often shown

 in profile view to see its style quarter turn fitting - a handrail transition component that allows a 90 degree or 1/4 turn of the handrail rail - the hand support system in a stair system; also see rail system rail cap - the part of the rail where the hand is placed; also called handrail and cap rail rail plug - a hole-filing, round wood plug; a finish plug used to fill the hole drilled into newel posts and rails for component fastening rail system - upper part of a staircase system (including the handrail, newels, balusters and related fittings) and does not include the lower components such as, for example, the risers, threads or stringers.

rake - the slope or angle of the staircase; also known as pitch rake rail - a hand rail that matches the pitch or rake of the staircase (as opposed to level rail) return nosing - molding material applied to the exposed edge of a tread for protection and asethetics; also see nosing right hand stair - a stair with a right-side balustrade while ascending rise - the vertical distance between the two consecutive treads often measured between the top of a lower tread to the top of the next higher tread riser - the vertical plane or face of a step usually around 7" in height.

riser-tread formula - a math formula used to determine rise distance, for example, riser (7") + tread (10.6") = 17 to 18" rosette - a decorative finish piece, often circular or round, which mounts to a wall and receives the handrail run - the horizontal distance between to consecutive risers; the distance between the face of one riser to the face of the next riser S fitting - a handrail fitting that snakes left or right for turns around walls (thereby eliminating mitre cuts in the handrail) scraper - a wood-removing hand tool to help finish or plane the surface of two, now-connected rail pieces; most often scrapers are made to match the handrail's profile to speed the surface matching work ship ladder - a near-vertical stepped ladder with a typical 65-75 degree incline; commonly found on sea-going vessels especially along dock side while docked for crew and passengers shoe rail or shoerail - a specially cut base or bottom rail which often receives the bottom end of balusters and is often installed over a knee wall shoe mold - an inside corner finish trim piece which has a convex profile (as opposed to a cove mold); usually

 installed where the first riser abuts the finished floor shoe rail - a plowed or cutout mold designed to receive a baluster's square end; a mold often used at bases such as at the base of the starter step; a shoe rail often receives the top or bottom of vertical balusters and are parallel with the handrail or can be part of the underside of a handrail holding the top of the baluster.

skirtboard or skirt board - the decorative finish board running up the open sides of the staircase; usually a 1'x10"; the board or material protecting the wall along the side of a closed stair soffit - the visible sloping under-surface of a flight; the bottom or underside of a staircase spindle - a special type of baluster; a vertical, turned (or carved) baluster, often round, between the handrail and the tread or stringer. splay - to form with an oblique angle; make slanting; bevel; to spread out, expand, or extend spiral stairs - a type of stair case that spirals or bends or is circular; also called helical stairs especially when without side walls. square top baluster - a square top baluster style usually matches its lower squared end; a baluster style that fits into plowed handrail (at the top) or shoe rail (at the bottom) and is often used with fillet material.

stair - a series of treads and risers, the two making a (single) step; a series or flight of steps; a stairway or a winding stair stairwell - a framed opening in a floor for staircase start easing or starting easing - an over-the-post type of handrail part that starts the handrail and often used when there is not enough space for a turn out or volute starter step - the first step (including the first riser) of a stair; a decorative, flat or bowed front, often with round ends, wider-than-other-steps first step steel insert - a small hardware wood-to-wood fastening sub-part with internal and external threads; a part inserted into a drilled newel hole or similar and when a bolt is inserted into this part and tightened the joint is stronger than a bolt-only method step - one single unit of a stair comprised of a tread and riser square top baluster - a baluster (top) which has a square top for mounting into a plowed rail or fillet (as opposed to dowel top) stair cap - a cover for existing steps or treads; a partial or complete step cover that is anti-slip or has other benefits.

stair tread - a decorative starting handrail component that's straight (as opposed to a volute) starting tread or step - the first tread and riser or stair often rounded for ascetic purposes.

stairwell - the large opening in a floor to accommodate a staircase stringer - the inclined board(s) or structural material spanning the length of a flight that supports or holds up the treads and risers; often constructed on the sides; skirtboards trim this part T-shaped stair - a stair style with an intermediate landing that splits the stair into a left and right (usually ascending) stairs tandem cap - a decorative, profile-matching, horizontal handrail component attached atop a newel post; a handrail union tapered step - a step on a winding (winder) or curved staircase top lid - a finish sub-part that covers a fastening hole (port) and trim finishes its parent part; most easings have special internal fasteners and access to the fastening port is covered by this part total going - the horizontal distance form the first riser to the last riser tread - the horizontal, left-to-right board (or surface) that one steps tread depth - the measurement from the nosing edge to the vertical riser (or from the nosing edge to the backside of the tread) tread bracket - see 'bracket' above turnout or turn out - a decorative, beginning or first rail piece that attaches to the rail and typically flares left

 or right.

U-shaped stair - a stair style (with at least two flights) that changes direction 180 degrees up easing - an over-the-post curved handrail fitting permitting the rail to change the slope; usually used that the top or bottom of an over-the-post run volute - a rounded decorative top handrail piece beginning the railing; often called a lateral - a rounded, decorative way to start the bottom of a staircase; comprised of multiple balusters and may have a centered newel; walk line or walkline - an imaginary line (usually for a curved staircase) away from the inner edge on which people are expected to walk or ascend the staircase; a building code minimum tread depth dimension (at the walkline) wall rail - a wall-attached handrail or one fastened directly to a wall with a mounting bracket wall rail bracket Staircase parts illustrated and explained The bottom step of a staircase which curves around sideways beyond the side of the staircase. Fascia The vertical covering under the edge of an exposed landing which covers the gap between ceiling and floor. Finial A decorative ornament used to decorate the top (and possibly the bottom) of a newel post - often in the shape of an ball, spike, urn, bun, or figure.

Half Landing The flat area of flooring where a stairway makes a turn between main floors. Inner (closed) string The side of a staircase set against a wall which locates the treads and risers. Landing The flat area of flooring at the top and bottom of a staircase leading to rooms. Newel post The vertical post at the end or turn of a banister. Outer (open) string The side of a staircase open to view which locates the treads and risers. Return nosing The moulding, (normally half round) fixed to the ends of the treads exposed in a hallway and which covers where the balusters fit into the treads. Riser The vertical part of a step. Riser wedges The, usually wooden, wedges used vertically underneath a staircase in slots cut into the strings to secure the risers. Tread The horizontal part of a step. Tread wedges The, usually wooden, wedges used horizontal underneath a staircase in slots cut into the strings to secure the treads. Tread/riser blocks The, usually wooden, blocks used by gluing to secure the front of the treads to the top of the risers at the front edge of each step.

Advert Staircase Terminology | Staircase Component Names | Stairs Info This glossary of staircase related terminology is by no means exhaustive but does detail the most common and basic terms used in staircase construction and balustrading installation. Stair Terminology Baluster/Spindle - the vertical member, plain or decorative, that acts as the infill between the handrail and baserail (or tread if cut string). Balustrading - the collective name for the complete assembly of handrails, baserails, newels, spindles and caps. Bullnose Step - usually at the bottom of the stairs with one or both ends of the step having a quarter circle design. Closed String - a string with the face housed/trenched to accommodate treads and risers so their profile cannot be seen. Continuous Handrail - using straight lengths of handrail connected to handrail fittings and ramps, the handrail flows over the tops of newel turnings creating a continuous run of handrail. Curtail Step - a decorative shaped step at the bottom of the stairs usually accommodating the volute and volute newel turning of the Continuous Handrail System.

Cut or Open String - a string with the upper edge cut away to the shape of the treads and risers so that their profile can be seen from the side. Going - the going of a flight of stairs is the horizontal distance between the face of the first and last risers. The individual going of a step is measured from face of riser to face of riser and for domestic use should be a minimum of 220mm. Newel - accommodates the strings, handrails and treads/risers of stairs. Nosing - the edge of the tread projecting beyond the face of the riser and the face of a cut string. OAS - OAS refers to the width of the Staircase = Width Overall Strings. Pitch - the angle between the pitch line and the horizontal. Pitch Line - the notional line connecting the nosings of all treads in a flight of stairs. Rake - the pitch of the stairs. Rise - the rise of a flight is the vertical distance between the floors or landings connected by the flight. The individual rise is the vertical measurement from top of tread to top of tread. Riser - the board that forms the face of the step.

The maximum individual rise for domestic flights is 220mm. Staircase - the entire structure relating to a stair, comprising steps, treads, risers, strings, balustrading, landings etc. Stairway/Stairwell - the space/void provided for the stairs. Stelten - Stelten is the Handrail Fixing we use on our Staircases Stelten is Short for Steel Tenon Step - the tread and riser combined. String Margin - the distance between the top of the string and the pitch line measured at 90° to the pitch line. Tread - the top or horizontal surface of a step. Volute - The detail like a Scroll at the entry of a handrail, sometimes called a Monkey's Tail, - New Ascending Volute Wall String - the string of a staircase fixed flush with a wall. Winders - are radiating steps narrower at one end that are used to change the direction of a stairs through 90° or 180°. Information What are the Names for the Parts of Stairs? (with Pictures) | eHow What are the Names for the Parts of Stairs?

 Email Save While steps are used almost everyday, most people give little thought to the fact that they are actually made up of several parts. While not every set of stairs has every part, the parts work together to provide stability and strength. (Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Xavi) Risers are the vertical pieces at the back of each step that keeps your toe from going any further. Some stairs do not have risers. When they are used, they determine the height of the step. Mike Schumann/iStock/Getty Images Treads are the actual steps, where you put your foot as you climb the stairs. They determine the depth of the step. The swell step is the first step on the stairs. It can also be called the starter step. It is often larger than the rest of steps. Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images Balusters, also known as spindles, are the thin poles that go from the tread to the handrail. Robin Krauss/iStock/Getty Images Newel posts serve the same function as the balusters except they are usually larger and found on the first and the last step. They can also be found on landings. Christian J.

Stewart/iStock/Getty Images The handrail is the rail that you place your hand on as you climb the stairs. The handrail can either be attached to the top of the balusters and newel posts or directly to a wall. David Sacks/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Question: On a staircase, what is the vertical part of the step called?
Answer: RISER